Getting a Mortgage

Obtaining a mortgage can be intimidating and confusing. Similar to the buyer and seller guides, I’ve outlined the mortgage process for you in 4 easy steps!

Step 1: Mortgage Application

Before an application gets filled out, it’s important to first asses yourself financially. Figure out how much money you have and how much you need to borrow. It’s always critical to sort out how much you can afford so that when you apply for a mortgage you will be able to financially sustain yourself. A mortgage associate will then take an application by phone, in person, or online. Once it has been received, the mortgage application process will begin by verifying the information you have provided.

Step 2: Choose the Right Mortgage Program

Like all homes, Canadian mortgages also come in all shapes and sizes. You have to pick which loan is more aligned with your financial situation and goals. There are four basic types of Canadian home financing loans.

A) Fixed Rate Mortgage

A Fixed Rate mortgage usually has terms that can last from 1 year to 10 years. As the name suggests, the interest rate and monthly payments will remain the same for the specified term.

This type of loan should appeal to you if you:

Plan to live in the home for more than 5 years

Like the stability of a fixed interest payment

Think your income and spending will stay the same

Don’t like the risk of having a higher monthly payment

B) Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) lasts for 3-5 years. But during these terms, the interest rate on the loan can go up or down which means monthly payments can increase or decrease.

D) Lines of Credit

Line of Credit is becoming an innovative way to finance your home purchase. You can take the amount you need from the credit limit that you were granted. You only pay interest on what you use and this money can be put towards things like home renovations, a child’s education, and debt consolidation.

Step 3: Mortgage Submission and Approval

Once you select the appropriate mortgage program, you will submit this information to your mortgage associate along with any other required documentation. You will then wait for the mortgage approval from the mortgage associate either through email or fax. After the approval, the associate will also review your commitment to the mortgage. Any additional documents that are required by the lender should be sent to the associate no later than 10 days after the approval.

Step 4: Lawyer

The associate will send the mortgage instructions to your lawyer to review and sign the documents. First you will review all the terms and conditions prior to signing to make sure the interest rate and loan terms are what were promised. Double check to see that the names and address are correctly spelled on the documents. Signing takes place in front of a notary public or lawyer. There will be several fees with obtaining a mortgage and transferring property ownership which will be paid at closing. Bring a bank draft check for the down payment and closing costs if required. Personal cheques are not accepted. You will also need to show homeowners insurance policy and other requirements such as flood or fire insurance and proof of payment.

Angela Petta

Featured Testimonial

First of all, I would like to thank Angela , for helping my husband and I sell our condo last year in June. The sale was done very quickly and efficiently. I contacted Angela a week before we were supposed to move out of the condo into our recently purchased home, and asked her if it would be possible to list our condo as soon as possible.
Within a week she hired a professional photographer to take some fabulous pictures, which were included into a great brochure, as well as a video tour. We discussed the listing price which was more aggressive than what we would have priced it at. However, we trusted her judgement, since we knew she was the expert. The property sold a week after being listed for a very good price, in fact, it sold for the highest price in that building compared to similar units.
I would like to thank Angela for being so responsive to our need to act quickly, and for making the entire process run smoothly. At the time of the sale, my husband and I were busy packing up the condo, moving into our new house, and taking care of our 1 year old daughter. It was really helpful to have someone like Angela relieve the stress of moving and selling for us. After the sale, Angela kept in touch with us, which we found very nice. This was done in a very professional and friendly manner. I would definitely recommend Angela as an agent. She is hard working, motivated and eager to achieve success in her career as a real estate agent. it is obvious that she will do her very best to satisfy her client. During one of our conversations before we decided to list the condo with her, I still remember her saying: "Quite frankly, if I can't sell your condo in the next 2 months, I don't think you should use my services anymore."
Thank you for all your help, Angela